Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 263 The East Wind Prevails Over the West Wind

The room was completely silent, and the air was thick with tension.

Wu Yin and Zhang Tianshi stared at each other, seemingly engaged in an extremely fierce confrontation.

Zhang Tianshi's face grew paler and paler, while Wu Yin maintained his extreme pressure, leaning forward.

The usually aloof and detached Zhang Tianshi could no longer remain so at this moment, and his hands unconsciously gripped the chair handles tightly.

The veins on his hands were bulging.

This alone shows just how unsettled he was at that moment.

This silent confrontation lasted for an unknown period of time. Finally, Zhang Tianshi, who was holding his neck stiffly and seemingly gathering all his strength to confront Wu Yin, suddenly let out a long sigh.

As he exhaled, he felt completely deflated.

His body, which was struggling to stay upright, appeared somewhat hunched.

"Okay! I accept your terms."

In Longhu Mountain, apart from the land bestowed by His Majesty, all other land was surveyed.

Those without ordination certificates were all expelled.

I will also instruct the other Taoist temples, large and small, to do the same, so that they will not resist the imperial court's land survey.

That's all I can do.

I can manage Longhu Mountain, but the Taoist temples below it may not all listen to me. I can only do my best.

As he spoke those words, Wu Yin's almost suffocating aura subsided.

“Master Zhang, I knew that your Zhang family and Longhu Mountain were people of great integrity and would not do so many things that are against the will of Heaven and the law.”

Zhang Tianshi has done enough to get things done.

Given that Zhang Tianshi has already taken things to this extent.

There are still some who remain obstinate and attempt to resist the land survey.

That's not Zhang Tianshi's problem.

Zhang Tianshi, you have already done more than enough for them. I will take care of the rest.

Zhang Tianshi doesn't need to worry about so many people criticizing him.

When you get back, tell them about this, and they might have the same thought.

But as the land survey began, some fearless individuals dared to take the lead, and I led my men to break through the mountains, cut down the temples, and kill them.

Those who survive will understand just how correct what you, Zhang Tianshi, told them truly was.

Treat them well, and the rest of them will only be grateful to you.

Wu Yin does know how to comfort people, and his approach to comforting people is rather unique.

At least, his words sounded extremely harsh to Zhang Yuchu.

But upon closer reflection, it seems that what Wu Yin said actually makes some sense.

"There's still a little bit left."

Zhang Yuchu looked at Wu Yin and said, "I will be watching your land survey in Jiangxi this time."

Let's see how you do it!

I hope you're not just paying lip service, saying that everyone is equal when facing the land survey and that anyone who obstructs it will be reduced to dust, but in reality you're saying one thing and doing another.

I'll see if you actually do that, and if it's only targeting my sect.

To those high-ranking officials and dignitaries, and to those temples, I hope you can still act as you are now speaking to me.

They can muster the skills to deal with my Taoist sect.

Therefore, I can look at you, Wu Yin, with new respect.

Otherwise, I will certainly go down Longhu Mountain in person to the capital to seek an audience with His Majesty.

I hereby inform His Majesty of your favoritism and corruption in the land survey, Wu Yin, in favor of others.

"At that time, we'll fight you to the death!"

Zhang Yuchu's voice became sharp.

Upon hearing this, Wu Yin laughed heartily: "Alright! Master Zhang, just watch and listen carefully."

He kept a close eye on my work of surveying and measuring the fields.

Open your eyes wide and look carefully!

When I, Wu Yin, was surveying the land, I treated everyone else differently. Then you may go to the capital and lodge a complaint with His Majesty.

"I have another idea for you. While you're filing your complaint with the emperor, also have people spread the word along the way that everything I, Wu Yin, have done here is publicized to create momentum!"

"Good! That's good, I've got it all written down!"
Zhang Tianshi nodded vigorously, then got up and walked outside.

But after getting up, he stumbled and almost fell to the ground.

I don't know if it was because Wu Yin's words made my legs feel weak.

Or perhaps it was due to a momentary lapse in awareness that this happened.

Zhang Yuchu refused Wu Yin's help and stood still to compose himself.

With a sudden flick of his sleeve, he headed outside.

He has the air of a Taoist master.

However, to the two officials who accompanied Wu Yin to meet Zhang Tianshi and remained silent throughout the entire meeting, only taking notes on the land survey, Zhang Yuchu appeared quite disheveled.

The arrogance they had shown when they first arrived was long gone.

When they looked at Wu Yin again, their gazes had completely changed.

Some mountains are so high that one looks up to them with great respect.

They had originally followed Wu Yin to this place to conduct a survey, but when Wu Yin said that no one was exempt from this survey, they were somewhat apprehensive.

I think it's very likely that he's just saying it.

Once you arrive here, it won't actually be done that way.

It's easier said than done.

Many people can say grand and dignified things.

But if you actually do it, that's a completely different story.

The situation in Jiangxi is extremely complicated, and the land survey involves an unknown number of people.

We must accomplish this task, do it well, and especially achieve what Wu Yin said: equality for all.

It's just too difficult!
But now, after witnessing firsthand how Wu Yin dealt with Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain, all their doubts vanished.

They believed it, they really believed it!

This Governor Wu is truly worthy of his title; he has real guts!

His Majesty was right to send Governor Wu.

Their morale was greatly boosted, and they became even more determined to follow Governor Wu in surveying the land and get the job done.

If Mr. Wu is so determined, then these people should not lag behind.

He then followed Governor Wu and charged into battle!
Let's clean up this part of Jiangxi properly!

……

"Tianshi!"

"Greetings, Celestial Master!"

Upon seeing Zhang Yuchu emerge, the several senior Taoists who had been waiting anxiously outside spoke up and respectfully bowed.

His eyes were full of concern.

Zhang Yuchu didn't say anything, but simply nodded slightly to them before walking out.

Several people hurriedly followed behind.

Upon arriving outside the courtyard, more people greeted Zhang Yuchu.

Zhang Yuchu regained his composure and, after making the necessary gestures, ascended the altar amidst the congratulations of the crowd.

Just as they arrived, they moved away slowly, exuding an aura of power.

Many of the anxious and apprehensive people breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this scene... because judging from Zhang Tianshi's behavior at this moment, the matter was definitely successful.

Zhang Tianshi must have managed to persuade Wu Yin, that bald monk, to back down and not dare to exterminate them.

That makes sense when you think about it; their Taoist sect already holds a very transcendent status.

No one dared to provoke Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain.

Even if the imperial court wanted to conduct a land survey, it wouldn't dare to really go to extremes and carry out the survey to the death.

And now it seems that this is indeed the case.

When the Celestial Master takes action, even Wu Yin has to give way.

I dare not go too far.

Little did they know how much torment Zhang Tianshi, sitting atop the imperial carriage, exuding an otherworldly aura like a celestial being, was experiencing at that moment.

After a grand procession of music and fanfare, by the time Zhang Tianshi's entourage returned to Longhu Mountain, it was already dark.

People from various Taoist temples followed Zhang Tianshi.

Some waited on the Longhu Mountain side.

Upon seeing Mr. Zhang return, they quickly gathered around, hoping to hear good news from Master Zhang as soon as possible.

"Master, how... how is this matter? Has Wu Yin backed down?"

After seeing Zhang Tianshi, everyone finally couldn't hold back any longer.

Ask a question aloud.

This matter was of utmost importance to them.

It touches the hearts of countless people.

However, many people were actually relieved at this moment.

Since Zhang Tianshi has taken action, this matter is bound to succeed.

Even if Wu Yin was arrogant, he wouldn't dare to be arrogant or domineering again after the Celestial Master personally negotiated with him and offered him 60% of the benefits.

It's impossible to be ungrateful.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tianshi sighed inwardly.

He spoke amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd.

Although he really didn't want to say these things, because they were embarrassing.

They also knew that once they spoke out, it would cause a huge uproar.

How will the people present react?

But since things had come to this point, he had no choice but to speak.

Even an ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws.

Even if you feel unwilling and find it hard to talk about it.

Even if these people are disappointed in you after you speak out, you still have to speak out.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself down before speaking: "This matter is different from what many of you think."

After arriving, I had a discussion with Wu Yin.

The matter has been settled.

I have decided to heed the call of the imperial court and do as it says.

His Majesty once said, "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen."

Although we are Taoists, we cannot abandon the greater good of our country and its people.

We cannot only think of ourselves; we must also consider our country and its people. Only then can we succeed.

Upon hearing Zhang Tianshi's words, many Taoist priests who had been eagerly anticipating his words felt a pang of anxiety.

I had a lot of bad premonitions.

This is... things don't seem quite the way we expected!

It seems to be developing in a direction that we don't want to see.

Could it be that Zhang Tianshi gave up not 60% of the land, but more?
It reached 70%? Or even 80%?!
"I have decided that Longhu Mountain and all the Taoist temples below it shall accept the imperial court's call. Apart from the land bestowed by His Majesty, all other land shall be subject to a thorough survey, leaving nothing behind!"

what? !

Upon hearing Zhang Yuchu's words, everyone present, who had been filled with anticipation, was utterly astonished!

I was completely shocked by what Zhang Yuchu said.

Some people were so shocked that they stood up!

Everyone present, regardless of who they were, could no longer remain calm; their expressions changed drastically.

The news that Zhang Tianshi suddenly revealed was so unexpected and so hard to accept!

all?!
It was even more outrageous and unacceptable than the 60% they could barely accept, let alone the worst 70% or even the completely unacceptable 80%!
"Real person...this...how could this be?!"

"Master...this cannot be done!"

Someone looked at Zhang Tianshi and spoke, their face filled with fear and utter disbelief.

They were clearly completely taken aback by what Zhang Tianshi had said.

At this point, one can't care about etiquette anymore.

No amount of etiquette or social hierarchy can move people more than tangible benefits.

Faced with this completely unexpected outcome, none of them could remain calm.

With a stern face, Zhang Tianshi reached out and pressed his hand down, ordering everyone to remain quiet.

Thanks to Zhang Tianshi's prestige, even under these circumstances, everyone remained silent.

They looked at Zhang Tianshi with different expressions, their hearts filled with anticipation.

The Celestial Master would never allow them to suffer such a great loss.

There will definitely be other explanations and other forms of compensation!

The Celestial Master could not possibly disregard the interests of the Taoist sect and its members.

Agree to such outrageous conditions.

Amidst everyone's eager anticipation, Zhang Tianshi sighed inwardly once again.

Then he spoke, looking at everyone, and said, "Besides this matter, the imperial court will also be investigating the ordination certificates this time."

All Taoist temples must be investigated.

Anyone without a certificate of ordination is not permitted to continue practicing in a Taoist temple.

Boom!
The moment Zhang Tianshi uttered those words, it was as if a thunderclap had suddenly exploded!

This caused everyone present to change color!
Looking at Zhang Tianshi, they felt as if they had seen a ghost.

A wave of disbelief washed over them.

They were all dumbfounded.

No... this is Zhang Tianshi?
They eagerly awaited the outcome of their meeting with Master Zhang, on whom they placed their high hopes.

How come this is... completely different from what was said before?
Didn't we previously say that at most 60% of the land could be ceded?
As mentioned before, if Wu Yin is not satisfied, even 60% of the land is not enough to satisfy his appetite, then Zhang Tianshi will have a proper, hard-fought battle with him.

Are they going to refuse to back down and resolutely protect their own interests?
How... has everything changed now?
It would have been one thing to give up all the land belonging to their Taoist temple, but why are they now checking the ordination certificates?
So... how exactly did Zhang Tianshi talk to Wu Yin?
Is this how he resolutely protects the interests of himself and others?

Is this how he defends others?
The difference is just too big!
It was very different from what they had expected.

How could this be?

How could this be?

I was confused. Completely confused.

"Master, is there...is there any other condition, any other benefit?"

After their initial surprise, the man surnamed Liu and the older Taoist priest looked at Zhang Tianshi and spoke.

The others also looked at Zhang Tianshi, waiting for him to give them an answer.

They believed there must be other conditions that would benefit them!

(End of this chapter)